Gaslight - A Victorian Domestic Noir

Patrick Hamilton’s play Gaslight is a classic domestic noir, performed with careful consideration by the Pymble Players. The English novelist and playwright wrote Gaslight in 1938. After its popularity with the resulting plays and the 1944 Hollywood film, ‘To Gaslight’ became synonymous with the meaning of someone psychologically manipulating another for their advantage, to make them doubt their memory, perception of reality and their own sanity.

Gaslight, directed by Joy Sweeney, is set in Victorian England. It revolves around the Manninghams – Jack and Bella. From the first introduction to these characters, we see an upper-class, seemingly happy couple. They are in the drawing room, where we subtly recognise wealth in the Manningham’s furniture and locked fold-up wooden writing cabinet. This is where tea is served in dainty teacups by the servants, a place where they can engage in relaxing conversation. However, things do not remain relaxing for long.

Jack, portrayed by Nick Roberts … flip-of-a switch was played with such credibility that it took the audience by surprise…

Amelia Conway’s fragile portrayal of Bella is outstanding...

Georgia’s Drewe’s Nancy is bold, teetering on defiance towards her mistress…

Kate Kelly’s Elizabeth is a strong, motherly and caring woman…

Retired Detective Rough, portrayed with finesse by David Kirkham…

Sound design by Geoff Jones kept the audience’s attention and ratcheted up the uneasy atmosphere throughout the play.

Gaslight highlights the domestic abuse darkness that lives behind closed doors, and though set in London in the 1880s, it remains as relevant and prevalent in modern society today.

Published 5 November 2023 by DARK STORIES